Modern Fabrics: Remnant Designer Textiles Online

Store History

Founded:
2011

Founded by:
James and Ewa Powell

Headquarters:
Charlotte, North Carolina

Discovered via Elle Decor, this online resource is doing for designer fabrics what Overstock has done for home furnishings. When designers cancel orders or a line is discontinued, fabric is often tossed out or lost forever in warehouse boxes. James and Ewa Powell thought that seemed like a waste, so they started collecting remnants from high-end manufacturers like Knoll, Schumacher, Kravet, and Maharam.

They sell the remnants (many of which would previously be available only to the trade) directly to customers. Their website, Modern Fabrics, has a rotating inventory of discounted remnants priced between $20 and $50 a yard — not dirt cheap, but much less than what these fabrics cost new.

Any first-hand experiences with Modern Fabrics? Share them in the comments!